Paris to Provence: A 15-Day Family-Friendly France Itinerary

Structure built for the Universal Exhibition in 1900, now a children's science museum and art gallery.

The Grand Palais, built for the Universal Exhibition in 1900, boasts a large glass and iron roof. It is home to the Palais de la Découverte science museum for children - be aware this museum only offers information in French, which greatly reduces its value to English speakers. Another wing of the building features rotating art exhibitions, which are usually curated by theme (such as The Moon or Soviet Art). Look on the website https://www.grandpalais.fr/en if you are interested in finding out what's on during your time in Paris. You may purchase tickets on site should you choose to attend.

Pop in for a Rembrandt painting and discover a secret garden in one of Paris's "hidden gems".

The Petit Palais in Paris, built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, is a Beaux-Arts architectural marvel that houses the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts. With free admission to its permanent collections, it showcases an extensive array of artworks from ancient to early 20th century, including notable pieces by Rembrandt and Courbet. Its stunning architecture, complete with a grand dome and a serene courtyard garden, makes it a cultural and visual haven. Located just off the Champs-Élysées, the Petit Palais is a key destination for art enthusiasts.

Experience a promenade on the most famous road in the world!

Stretch your legs on the Avenue Champs-Élysées, an emblem of French prestige and elegance. On this unparalleled thoroughfare stretching from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe waits a parade of luxury shops, fine dining, and lush greenery, offering an unparalleled urban experience. On the "Champs" you can indulge in world-class shopping, savor exquisite French cuisine at chic cafés, and marvel at the architectural beauty of illustrious building.

Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile is an enduring icon of Paris and offers a spectacular view across the city. In fact, some people say the best view of Paris is from the Arc de Triomphe, as the sweeping vista found at the top includes the Eiffel Tower. 'De l'Étoile' or 'star' refers to the junction on which the Arc de Triomphe stands. This is the meeting point of 12 straight avenues including the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, famous for its theatres, cafés, and luxury shops, and the inspiration for the catchy, eponymous song by Joe Dassin. Although this area of Paris bustles with shoppers, tourists, and commercial enterprises there is still much to explore, see, and do here, and some secret places to be found away from the crowds.

Ascend one of the most iconic monuments in the world, and view Paris from this beloved symbol of France

L' Arc is not just a symbol of French pride and triumph. Yes, this monument crowning the western end of the Champs-Élysées honors those who fought and died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic War. However, it also commorates the horrific losses of World War I with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Your visit here can be surprisingly poignant. Visitors can ascend to the top for panoramic views of the City of Lights below, whose energy somehow rotates around this reminder that there is a little sobriety in every party.

Structure built for the Universal Exhibition in 1900, now a children's science museum and art gallery.

The Grand Palais, built for the Universal Exhibition in 1900, boasts a large glass and iron roof. It is home to the Palais de la Découverte science museum for children - be aware this museum only offers information in French, which greatly reduces its value to English speakers. Another wing of the building features rotating art exhibitions, which are usually curated by theme (such as The Moon or Soviet Art). Look on the website https://www.grandpalais.fr/en if you are interested in finding out what's on during your time in Paris. You may purchase tickets on site should you choose to attend.

Paris Highlights Walking Tour

Embark on a captivating 4-hour walking tour of the center of Paris, the City of Lights, where history and modernity blend seamlessly along its enchanting streets. Starting from Odette Pastry Shop (77 Rue Galande), you will explore the heart of this dynamic city and learn how to navigate Paris as a local.

Paris Highlights Walking Tour

Embark on a captivating 4-hour walking tour of the center of Paris, the City of Lights, where history and modernity blend seamlessly along its enchanting streets. Starting from Odette Pastry Shop (77 Rue Galande), you will explore the heart of this dynamic city and learn how to navigate Paris as a local.

Paris Highlights Walking Tour

Embark on a captivating 4-hour walking tour of the center of Paris, the City of Lights, where history and modernity blend seamlessly along its enchanting streets. Starting from Odette Pastry Shop (77 Rue Galande), you will explore the heart of this dynamic city and learn how to navigate Paris as a local.

Paris Highlights Walking Tour

Embark on a captivating 4-hour walking tour of the center of Paris, the City of Lights, where history and modernity blend seamlessly along its enchanting streets. Starting from Odette Pastry Shop (77 Rue Galande), you will explore the heart of this dynamic city and learn how to navigate Paris as a local.

Immerse yourself in this a hidden treasure of Parisian art, the original atelier of celebrated sculptor, Antoine Bourdelle.

The Antoine Bourdelle Museum, set in the artist's former studio in Montparnasse, showcases an impressive collection of his sculptures, paintings, and drawings. Here, visitors can experience the authentic atmosphere of Bourdelle's creative space and enjoy the serene garden, which displays his monumental works in bronze and marble. This intimate museum offers a unique glimpse into the artistic process of one of France's great sculptors.

Supporting contemporary art in many luxurious ways

Confront your artistic sensibilities, or maybe just luxuriate at the Fondation Cartier pour l'Art Contemporain, a cornerstone of contemporary art. Housed in an architectural masterpiece by Jean Nouvel that blends verdant surroundings with glass and steel, it showcases diverse  exhibitions of both renowned and emerging global artists, alongside commissioned site-specific works. Contemplate today's masterpieces in the foundation's lush garden, designed by Lothar Baumgarten, that acts as a living art installation, complementing cultural programs like concerts, lectures, and the unique "Nomadic Nights" series.

Get a different perspective from Paris' modern skyscraper

The Montparnasse Tower remains one of Paris' few traditional skyscrapers and with its rare standing offers an unparalleled vantage point from its 56th floor and rooftop terrace. Rising to a height of 210 meters, it punctuates the Parisian skyline and provides breathtaking 360-degree views that stretch out over the city, from the winding Seine to the majestic Eiffel Tower and beyond. Visitors can ascend this towering skyscraper to witness the beauty of Paris from above, capturing the essence of the city's layout and landmarks in a single glance.

Montparnasse

Montparnasse grew in esthetic stature in the earlier 20th century, as artists congregated their for inexpensive living close to the center of Paris. Vestiges of this bohemian era remain,  lively cafes and restaurants allude to painterly luminaries like Alphonse Mucha and Paul Gauguin.  As interesting as their lives were, as busy as the neighborhood is, still more dramatic is what lies under Monparnasse: the Paris Catacombs, the final resting place of over 6 million Parisians dating back centuries.

Wander the corridors of this eerie but matter-of-fact underground filled with skeletal remains.

The Catacombs of Paris offer a disturbing journey beneath the city, where millions of Parisians' remains line the ancient corridors. From the stark warning at the entrance hall, inviting visitors into the Empire of Death, to the dark depths where the Crypt of the Sepulchral Lamp casts a solemn glow, each highlight contributes to the macabre atmosphere. Notable curiosities include the artistic Barrel of Passion, and the intricately carved Sculpture of Port-Mahon, both testaments to the catacombs' dual function as a burial site and a monument to humanity's strangeness.

Immerse yourself in this a hidden treasure of Parisian art, the original atelier of celebrated sculptor, Antoine Bourdelle.

The Antoine Bourdelle Museum, set in the artist's former studio in Montparnasse, showcases an impressive collection of his sculptures, paintings, and drawings. Here, visitors can experience the authentic atmosphere of Bourdelle's creative space and enjoy the serene garden, which displays his monumental works in bronze and marble. This intimate museum offers a unique glimpse into the artistic process of one of France's great sculptors.

Disneyland Paris

Discover the magic of Disneyland Paris, a world where dreams come alive amidst thrilling rides, beloved characters, and dazzling parades across five unique lands. From the fairy-tale splendor of Sleeping Beauty's Castle to the adventures of Frontierland and the creativity of Walt Disney Studios Park, every corner promises unforgettable memories. Embrace the enchantment and make your holiday a Disney dream you will never forget!

Disneyland Paris

Discover the magic of Disneyland Paris, a world where dreams come alive amidst thrilling rides, beloved characters, and dazzling parades across five unique lands. From the fairy-tale splendor of Sleeping Beauty's Castle to the adventures of Frontierland and the creativity of Walt Disney Studios Park, every corner promises unforgettable memories. Embrace the enchantment and make your holiday a Disney dream you will never forget!

Disneyland Paris

Discover the magic of Disneyland Paris, a world where dreams come alive amidst thrilling rides, beloved characters, and dazzling parades across five unique lands. From the fairy-tale splendor of Sleeping Beauty's Castle to the adventures of Frontierland and the creativity of Walt Disney Studios Park, every corner promises unforgettable memories. Embrace the enchantment and make your holiday a Disney dream you will never forget!

Disneyland Paris

Discover the magic of Disneyland Paris, a world where dreams come alive amidst thrilling rides, beloved characters, and dazzling parades across five unique lands. From the fairy-tale splendor of Sleeping Beauty's Castle to the adventures of Frontierland and the creativity of Walt Disney Studios Park, every corner promises unforgettable memories. Embrace the enchantment and make your holiday a Disney dream you will never forget!

Louvre Museum

It might be the greatest art museum in the world; it certainly is the largest with over 380,000 objects; to view every single one for even a minute apiece would take 75 days.  And those descriptions still don't do the building and its collection justice. Marvel at treasures inside, including Leonardo Da Vinci's mysterious woman, the Mona Lisa, and everything from an Egyptian masterpiece of mummification to the famed Hellenistic sculpture, Venus de Milo, to patriotic French masterpieces like Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. Although the Louvre is vast and ever-crowded, with some strategy and a few helpful tips your visit will take in maximum artworks with minimal hassle.

Louvre Museum

It might be the greatest art museum in the world; it certainly is the largest with over 380,000 objects; to view every single one for even a minute apiece would take 75 days.  And those descriptions still don't do the building and its collection justice. Marvel at treasures inside, including Leonardo Da Vinci's mysterious woman, the Mona Lisa, and everything from an Egyptian masterpiece of mummification to the famed Hellenistic sculpture, Venus de Milo, to patriotic French masterpieces like Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. Although the Louvre is vast and ever-crowded, with some strategy and a few helpful tips your visit will take in maximum artworks with minimal hassle.

Louvre Museum

It might be the greatest art museum in the world; it certainly is the largest with over 380,000 objects; to view every single one for even a minute apiece would take 75 days.  And those descriptions still don't do the building and its collection justice. Marvel at treasures inside, including Leonardo Da Vinci's mysterious woman, the Mona Lisa, and everything from an Egyptian masterpiece of mummification to the famed Hellenistic sculpture, Venus de Milo, to patriotic French masterpieces like Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. Although the Louvre is vast and ever-crowded, with some strategy and a few helpful tips your visit will take in maximum artworks with minimal hassle.

Louvre Museum

It might be the greatest art museum in the world; it certainly is the largest with over 380,000 objects; to view every single one for even a minute apiece would take 75 days.  And those descriptions still don't do the building and its collection justice. Marvel at treasures inside, including Leonardo Da Vinci's mysterious woman, the Mona Lisa, and everything from an Egyptian masterpiece of mummification to the famed Hellenistic sculpture, Venus de Milo, to patriotic French masterpieces like Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. Although the Louvre is vast and ever-crowded, with some strategy and a few helpful tips your visit will take in maximum artworks with minimal hassle.

Rail Drop-Off by Taxi

Rail Drop-Off by Taxi

Rail Drop-Off by Taxi

Rail Drop-Off by Taxi

American D-Day Beaches Guided

Discover the somber and honorable history of the Normandy Invasion on this full-day, private, guided tour, exploring the D-Day landing beaches while learning about America's involvement in World War II. The tour takes 9 hours. Your private guide will pick you up and drop you off in your hotel, and includes visits to key places like Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Sainte-Mère-Église as well as Utah Beach. Your professional and educated private guide will tell you more about the battles fought and sacrifices made at each site. You will also visit the American Cemetery where you'll read the names of soldiers missing in action after the Normandy landing.

American D-Day Beaches Guided

Discover the somber and honorable history of the Normandy Invasion on this full-day, private, guided tour, exploring the D-Day landing beaches while learning about America's involvement in World War II. The tour takes 9 hours. Your private guide will pick you up and drop you off in your hotel, and includes visits to key places like Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Sainte-Mère-Église as well as Utah Beach. Your professional and educated private guide will tell you more about the battles fought and sacrifices made at each site. You will also visit the American Cemetery where you'll read the names of soldiers missing in action after the Normandy landing.

American D-Day Beaches Guided

Discover the somber and honorable history of the Normandy Invasion on this full-day, private, guided tour, exploring the D-Day landing beaches while learning about America's involvement in World War II. The tour takes 9 hours. Your private guide will pick you up and drop you off in your hotel, and includes visits to key places like Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Sainte-Mère-Église as well as Utah Beach. Your professional and educated private guide will tell you more about the battles fought and sacrifices made at each site. You will also visit the American Cemetery where you'll read the names of soldiers missing in action after the Normandy landing.

American D-Day Beaches Guided

Discover the somber and honorable history of the Normandy Invasion on this full-day, private, guided tour, exploring the D-Day landing beaches while learning about America's involvement in World War II. The tour takes 9 hours. Your private guide will pick you up and drop you off in your hotel, and includes visits to key places like Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Sainte-Mère-Église as well as Utah Beach. Your professional and educated private guide will tell you more about the battles fought and sacrifices made at each site. You will also visit the American Cemetery where you'll read the names of soldiers missing in action after the Normandy landing.

Bayeux Tapestry Museum and Museum of Art and History

How will you weave your story of seeing the Bayeux Tapestry? Depicting William of Normandy's conquest of England in 1066, the tapestry - which is actually an elaborate embroidery - is thought to be nearly 1000 years old and brings the medieval era to life. A close inspection might change the way you look at Normandy and England and their closely braided histories. If Bayeux's history draws you in, you can explore the town's past even further at the MAHB Museum of Art and History Baron Gérard.

This 11th-century tapestry visually recounts the details of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This battle led to the Norman conquest of England and changed the course of British history and by proxy, the history of much of the world. But that is a much longer story than the t wo-hundred and twenty-four feet (68,3m) of the tapestry, filled with incredible, and sometimes blood-curdling, details.

Bayeux Tapestry Museum and Museum of Art and History

How will you weave your story of seeing the Bayeux Tapestry? Depicting William of Normandy's conquest of England in 1066, the tapestry - which is actually an elaborate embroidery - is thought to be nearly 1000 years old and brings the medieval era to life. A close inspection might change the way you look at Normandy and England and their closely braided histories. If Bayeux's history draws you in, you can explore the town's past even further at the MAHB Museum of Art and History Baron Gérard.

This 11th-century tapestry visually recounts the details of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This battle led to the Norman conquest of England and changed the course of British history and by proxy, the history of much of the world. But that is a much longer story than the t wo-hundred and twenty-four feet (68,3m) of the tapestry, filled with incredible, and sometimes blood-curdling, details.

Shuttle to Rennes via Mt.-St.-Michele

Your own, personal, English-speaking driver will pick you up promptly at the designated time from your hotel. This is a pre-paid transfer, so you only need to sit back and enjoy the ride while your driver answers any questions you may have. While the drive takes about two hours, you have the opportunity for a three-hour self-guided stop at the breathtaking Mont-St.-Michel. One of the most evocative towns in France, this island / abbey / fortress repelled medieval England but has has captured thousands of hearts with its ambiance and views towards the sea. Should you prefer a different stop, we can also suggest other options, Fougères and its castle, or Granville.

Step foot upon Mont-Saint-Michel, a stunning village and UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts visitors the world over for its dramatic setting on a rocky islet surrounded by powerful tides. The highlight, the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, stands as a testament to medieval architecture, and withstood both seiges of the Hundred Years' War. Adored by the French for centuries,Mont-St. Micheletrances visitors with its natural beauty, historical richesse , and architecture, its winding streets and panoramic views transporting you to another era.

Shuttle to Rennes via Mt.-St.-Michele

Your own, personal, English-speaking driver will pick you up promptly at the designated time from your hotel. This is a pre-paid transfer, so you only need to sit back and enjoy the ride while your driver answers any questions you may have. While the drive takes about two hours, you have the opportunity for a three-hour self-guided stop at the breathtaking Mont-St.-Michel. One of the most evocative towns in France, this island / abbey / fortress repelled medieval England but has has captured thousands of hearts with its ambiance and views towards the sea. Should you prefer a different stop, we can also suggest other options, Fougères and its castle, or Granville.

Step foot upon Mont-Saint-Michel, a stunning village and UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts visitors the world over for its dramatic setting on a rocky islet surrounded by powerful tides. The highlight, the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, stands as a testament to medieval architecture, and withstood both seiges of the Hundred Years' War. Adored by the French for centuries,Mont-St. Micheletrances visitors with its natural beauty, historical richesse , and architecture, its winding streets and panoramic views transporting you to another era.

Dinan Excursion

Dinan guards its medieval heart of half-timbered homes and winding streets. An important crossing over the Rance River since time immemorial, written documents first mention the city in the 11th century, and its warriors even appear in the Bayeux Tapestry. Noteworthy sites include the Basilique St-Sauveur, the 14th-century Château de Dinan, and the artisan-lined Rue du Jerzual. The town's panoramic views and market in Place du Guesclin offer a taste of local life amid the well-preserved homes of a bygone era.

Dinan Excursion

Dinan guards its medieval heart of half-timbered homes and winding streets. An important crossing over the Rance River since time immemorial, written documents first mention the city in the 11th century, and its warriors even appear in the Bayeux Tapestry. Noteworthy sites include the Basilique St-Sauveur, the 14th-century Château de Dinan, and the artisan-lined Rue du Jerzual. The town's panoramic views and market in Place du Guesclin offer a taste of local life amid the well-preserved homes of a bygone era.

Dinan Excursion

Dinan guards its medieval heart of half-timbered homes and winding streets. An important crossing over the Rance River since time immemorial, written documents first mention the city in the 11th century, and its warriors even appear in the Bayeux Tapestry. Noteworthy sites include the Basilique St-Sauveur, the 14th-century Château de Dinan, and the artisan-lined Rue du Jerzual. The town's panoramic views and market in Place du Guesclin offer a taste of local life amid the well-preserved homes of a bygone era.

Dinan Excursion

Dinan guards its medieval heart of half-timbered homes and winding streets. An important crossing over the Rance River since time immemorial, written documents first mention the city in the 11th century, and its warriors even appear in the Bayeux Tapestry. Noteworthy sites include the Basilique St-Sauveur, the 14th-century Château de Dinan, and the artisan-lined Rue du Jerzual. The town's panoramic views and market in Place du Guesclin offer a taste of local life amid the well-preserved homes of a bygone era.

Airport Dropoff by Taxi

Rennes taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you. If you are picked up about 2 hours and 45 min before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with just under two and a half hours to spare. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra twenty minutes or so. The Full Itinerary also contains alternative instructions on taking the bus/train to the airport.

Airport Dropoff by Taxi

Rennes taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you. If you are picked up about 2 hours and 45 min before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with just under two and a half hours to spare. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra twenty minutes or so. The Full Itinerary also contains alternative instructions on taking the bus/train to the airport.

Airport Dropoff by Taxi

Rennes taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you. If you are picked up about 2 hours and 45 min before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with just under two and a half hours to spare. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra twenty minutes or so. The Full Itinerary also contains alternative instructions on taking the bus/train to the airport.

Airport Dropoff by Taxi

Rennes taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you. If you are picked up about 2 hours and 45 min before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with just under two and a half hours to spare. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra twenty minutes or so. The Full Itinerary also contains alternative instructions on taking the bus/train to the airport.

Highlights Walking Tour

Discover Aix-en-Provence, widely considered one of the most attractive cities in the South of France, on this 3-hour walking tour. Fountains and statues decorate the city, a tradition dating back to the Roman Empire. The city takes its name from the Roman word for "water." At a leisurely pace, you’ll soak up the history flowing through this city before learning about the Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. The ‘father of modern art’ was born and died here, and spent his life desperately trying to capture the nearby Mount Sainte-Victoire in his paintings.

Highlights Walking Tour

Discover Aix-en-Provence, widely considered one of the most attractive cities in the South of France, on this 3-hour walking tour. Fountains and statues decorate the city, a tradition dating back to the Roman Empire. The city takes its name from the Roman word for "water." At a leisurely pace, you’ll soak up the history flowing through this city before learning about the Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. The ‘father of modern art’ was born and died here, and spent his life desperately trying to capture the nearby Mount Sainte-Victoire in his paintings.

Highlights Walking Tour

Discover Aix-en-Provence, widely considered one of the most attractive cities in the South of France, on this 3-hour walking tour. Fountains and statues decorate the city, a tradition dating back to the Roman Empire. The city takes its name from the Roman word for "water." At a leisurely pace, you’ll soak up the history flowing through this city before learning about the Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. The ‘father of modern art’ was born and died here, and spent his life desperately trying to capture the nearby Mount Sainte-Victoire in his paintings.

Highlights Walking Tour

Discover Aix-en-Provence, widely considered one of the most attractive cities in the South of France, on this 3-hour walking tour. Fountains and statues decorate the city, a tradition dating back to the Roman Empire. The city takes its name from the Roman word for "water." At a leisurely pace, you’ll soak up the history flowing through this city before learning about the Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. The ‘father of modern art’ was born and died here, and spent his life desperately trying to capture the nearby Mount Sainte-Victoire in his paintings.

This wasn't a home-away-from-home; this was home!

From 1305-1378 the Roman Catholic Church was ruled from... Avignon.  Theocratic intrigue in Rome led to the move, and the popes here enjoyed relative safety, and a view of a better river (The Rhone River of Avignon is much prettier than Rome's Tiber).  After St. Catherine of Siena convinced a pope to return to Rome, and the inevitable disputes ended, the palace gradually fell into disrepair, and the palace was even used as a barracks for Napoleon's armies. Today, one can marvel at the architecture, and learn a thing or two about the dramas of centuries past.  A visit is a beautiful education...

This Bridge Doesn't Work, but Millions Have Walked upon It All the Same

The St. Bénézet Bridge, known affectionately as the Pont d' Avignon (Bridge of Avignon) has spent much of its existence a ruin. From the 1200s until the 1700s, when the Rhone River flooded, it often destroyed the bridge, originally 900m (nearly 3000 feet).  The city finally had enough and left it.  And then it became a symbol of the city and started drawing people from around the world. Brilliant!  There is something romantic to it, to walk out along it's narrow width at dusk towards the middle of the Rhone.  It's so beautiful it might make you want to danse... Sur le pont d' Avignon L'on y danse, l'on y danse...

Admire the living wall outside before tasting the best of Provence within.

Spend some time to assemble your own lunch or dinner with help from the sumptuous stalls at Avignon's Halles.  Fruits, vegetables, cheeses and meats will all come and go with the seasons.  An early spring visit here can proffer the delicious strawberries from nearrby Carpentras, and a midsummer exploration will deliver you the incomparable melon d' Cavaillon.  Pair those with some jambon or a fresh Provençal goat cheese, pick up a bottle of rose from Tavel, and you are well on your way to gourmet heaven!

Excursion to Avignon

Avignon boasts a particular medieval history as the seat of the Roman Catholic church in the 14th century. Its grandeur, though illustrious, is tempered by the Provençal sun and wind, and the sometimes irreverent Festival d' Avignon, a summer theather event that draws crowds from all of France. Highlights of a visit include the Palais des Papes, a massive, Gothic structure fit for a pope, the Pont d' Avignon which will make you want to dan-ce, dan-ce, and les Halles, an exceptional food market with a verdant exterior.

This Cathedral Provides Shelter From the Heat of the Day and Many Other Respites...

... Dating back to the 12th century, this Romanesque cathedral is renowned for its striking architectural features, including a beautifully decorated facade and a prominent gold-leaf statue of the Virgin Mary that crowns its bell tower. Inside, the cathedral houses an array of religious art, significant ecclesiastical items, and the tombs of several Avignon popes, reflecting its central role in the history of the Avignon Papacy.  But given that history, a simplicity remains, a elegance hard-won through trials and tribulations.

Take Aristocratic Views of Provence and the Papal Palace

Perched atop a rocky outcrop, Le Jardin des Doms overlooks The Palais des Papes and Notre Dame (of Avignon, mind you) on one side and panoramas of the Provençal countryside on the other. Established in the 19th century, this verdant park is a welcomed retreat within the walled city with its limestone pathways, majestic trees, and tranquil ponds.  These elements add to the cool and restful atmosphere of the park.

Walk in the Footsteps of Ancient Greeks at This 2600-year-old Port

The Vieux Port of Marseille is, in a sense, where France began its long march through Western Civilization, as Greek settlers arrived here in 600BC.  Since that time at least, it has been a port, with countless ships arriving and countless feet stepping upon its piers. Surrounded by historic fortifications, such as Fort Saint-Nicolas and Fort Saint-Jean, the port today is as it has often been, a lively area filled with fishing boats, yachts, and vessels of all sizes. Visitors can stroll along the quayside, indulge in seafood at the numerous restaurants, or simply enjoy the panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. The daily fish market on the Quai des Belges offers a glimpse into the port's bustling trade activities.

Take a Short Pilgrimage, If Just for the Views!

The basillica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, often referred to as "La Bonne Mère," keeps its protective watch over the city. This iconic symbol, situated on a limestone outcrop, offers panoramic views of Marseille and the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its mix of Romanesque and Byzantine styles, the basilica boasts intricate mosaics and a prominent golden statue of the Virgin Mary on its bell tower. It is a place of pilgrimage and reflection.

Excursion to Marseille

Greeks settled here in 600BC, and the port hasn't stopped since.  Walk through at least 2600 years of history, try fresh fish, and get a feel for a French city that revels in its distance (geographically, culturally, gastronomically) from Paris.  Grittier, louder, but no less charming, Marseille will pleasantly shock you with its energy and breathtaking panoramas of itself and the Mediterranean sea. And should you long for the crash of waves upon cliffs, the inestimably beautiful National Park of the Calanques.

Dive into the Cultures of the Mediterranean Sea

The MuCEM (Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée) in Marseille stands as a monumental celebration of Mediterranean cultures, seamlessly blending contemporary architecture with centuries-old heritage. Situated at the waterfront, this striking museum designed by architect Rudy Ricciotti, connected to the historic Fort Saint-Jean by an elegant footbridge, invites exploration into the diverse and complex tapestry of Mediterranean civilizations. Through its innovative exhibitions, the MuCEM profoundly investigates the historical, cultural, and social dynamics of the Mediterranean region through a rich collection that spans from ancient artifacts to modern art. The museum offers breathtaking views of its very subject, the Mediterranean Sea.

Marseilles Airport Dropoff by Taxi

Aix en Provence taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you. If you are picked up about 2 hours and 45 min before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with just under two and a half hours to spare. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra twenty minutes or so. The Full Itinerary also contains alternative instructions on taking the train or metro to the airport.

Marseilles Airport Dropoff by Taxi

Aix en Provence taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you. If you are picked up about 2 hours and 45 min before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with just under two and a half hours to spare. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra twenty minutes or so. The Full Itinerary also contains alternative instructions on taking the train or metro to the airport.

Marseilles Airport Dropoff by Taxi

Aix en Provence taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you. If you are picked up about 2 hours and 45 min before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with just under two and a half hours to spare. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra twenty minutes or so. The Full Itinerary also contains alternative instructions on taking the train or metro to the airport.

Marseilles Airport Dropoff by Taxi

Aix en Provence taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you. If you are picked up about 2 hours and 45 min before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with just under two and a half hours to spare. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra twenty minutes or so. The Full Itinerary also contains alternative instructions on taking the train or metro to the airport.